Plans submitted for Stamford Recreation Ground toilets

A PROJECT to build a £50,000 toilet block in a park is entering its final stage.

The Friends of Stamford Recreation Ground have submitted plans to South Kesteven District Council to build new facilities near the play area on the Rec.

The group has been raising funds through its Spend A Penny campaign and last month his its £50,000 target.

Chairman Penny Dawson said: “We are delighted we now have a plan and a proposal which we think will be attractive, will fit in with the character of the buildings nearby and will be in a similar location to the existing building.

“We are really pleased that the toilets can now be built.”

If the plans are approved the new facility will be a brick building with one cubicle for men and one for women. Both will include baby changing facilities.

The block will be built on the site of the existing facility. The current men’s toilets are still open but are in a rundown state. The women’s toilets closed in 2008.

Mrs Dawson said the block will encourage visitors to stay longer in Stamford without having to worry about finding a toilet.

She added: “Toilets are very important, not only for local residents but for visitors as well. Having a toilet they can use during the day is critical.”

Mrs Dawson thanked all those who had supported the project. Numerous groups and businesses have donated thousands of pounds towards the toilets, including the Rotary Club of Stamford St Martins, the Stamford and District Kiwanis and Hanson Cement.

The biggest slice of funding came from the Harry Skells Trust, which donated £20,000, and Stamford Town Council, which contributed £10,000 and will manage the toilets when they open.

Mrs Dawson added: “Since 2008 about £320,000 has been raised for the play area, the skatepark and the toilets. It’s incredible for a small town to raise that much and its all done by volunteers.”

If the plans are approved the toilets should be completed by Easter. To view them visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk.